ABERDEEN, S.D. — Eight Northern State University students showcased their creativity and collaborative skills at the second annual Design Jam, held April 10 at the USD Discovery District in Sioux Falls.
The one-day competition brought together students from Northern State University, the University of South Dakota, the University of Sioux Falls and Dakota State University. Participants were placed into interdisciplinary teams representing all four universities and challenged to conceptualize and produce a 20-second motion graphics piece within a limited timeframe. This year's prompt, "Unfolding the Invisible," pushed students to think creatively, communicate effectively and develop a unified vision under pressure.
"Design Jam is an opportunity for students to collaborate across institutions to find design solutions outside of the regular classroom," said Professor Epiphany Knedler, NSU's faculty sponsor for the event. "They get to know students and professionals who will ultimately become their peers in the regional design world. It's an event students look forward to every year, being surprised by what they can come up with in a single day's time."
Students also attended a lecture by Tom Bates, senior graphic designer at Fresh Produce in Sioux Falls. The event concluded with final presentations and a small exhibition, with faculty sponsors from each institution selecting the top three teams based on innovation, execution and storytelling.
NSU students placed on all three winning teams:
- First place: Aly Lang and Abigail Himmerich (NSU), Emily Kurtz (USD), Kamryn Pierce and Alyson Maag (DSU)
- Second place: Rico Imus (NSU), Gina Gras and Alexis Payne (USD), Jack Baker and Juniper Kerns (DSU)
- Third place: Jensen Eckart and Maggie Kruger (NSU), Emily Terry and Sarah Maritza Muñoz (USD), Grace Clark and Sean Lindholm (DSU)
"Design Jam taught me that my chosen medium and skills should not be limited by a given prompt," said Rico Imus, a 2026 Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate in studio art. "I was able to think outside the box and support my team in digital media."
NSU's faculty sponsor was Professor Epiphany Knedler. Faculty sponsors from the other institutions included Dr. Young Ae Kim of USD, Professor Joe Schaffer of the University of Sioux Falls and Professor Tim Murray of DSU.
NSU students who participated in this year's Design Jam include Jensen Eckart, Madelyn Haak, Abigail Himmerich, Maggie Kruger, Aly Lang, Rico Imus, Delaynie Parker and Ksenia Unser.
Students interested in competing next year may contact Professor Epiphany Knedler at epiphany.knedler@northern.edu.
